The news was confirmed by his Rush bandmates Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson, who said: "It is with broken hearts and the deepest sadness that we must share the terrible news that on Tuesday our friend, soul brother and band mate of over 45 years, Neil, has lost his incredibly brave three and a half year battle with brain cancer (Glioblastoma)."

Fellow drummer Mike Portnoy, whose own playing was heavily influenced by Peart, wrote: "It absolutely breaks my heart to pieces to get the news of the passing of one of my greatest heroes of all time. Neil Peart will always be a mentor and a hero to me and his influence on me as a drummer for the past 40 years is absolutely impossible to measure.

"But beyond that, over the past 15 years or so, he’s become a friend... always such a gentleman and a gracious host. Always inviting me to come to soundcheck and spend some time before the show whenever Rush was passing through. Always sending complimentary copies of his new books, or holiday emails with pictures of he and his young daughter Olivia."

He continued: "I have so many memories through the years, but probably the most special was the last time I saw him. I took my son Max to see Rush on their farewell tour as I wanted him to see the band before they retired. Neil, ever the incredible gracious host, invited us to soundcheck, let Max play his drums, gave him a pair of sticks and an autographed snare drum head and opened up his dressing room to us for the evening. The point is, if you were his guest you were family."

Foo Fighters leader Dave Grohl called Peart “a kind, thoughtful, brilliant man” in a statement which reads: “Today, the world lost a true giant in the history of rock and roll. An inspiration to millions with an unmistakable sound who spawned generations of musicians – like myself – to pick up two sticks and chase a dream.

"A kind, thoughtful, brilliant man who ruled our radios and turntables not only with his drumming, but also his beautiful words.”

He adds: “I still vividly remember my first listen of 2112 when I was young. It was the first time I really listened to a drummer. And since that day, music has never been the same. His power, precision, and composition was incomparable. He was called ‘The Professor’ for a reason: We all learned from him.

Today, the world lost a true giant in the history of rock and roll. An inspiration to millions with an unmistakable sound who spawned generations of musicians

Dave Grohl

“Thank you, Neil for making our lives a better place with your music. You will be forever remembered and sorely missed by all of us. And my heartfelt condolences to the Rush family."

Drummer Taylor Hawkins added: “Neil Peart had the hands of God. End of story.”

Elsewhere on social media, Kiss guitarist Paul Stanley wrote: "Absolutely Horrible News. Neal Peart has died after fighting brain cancer for years. His later life was filled with so much family tragedy. So, so sad. I’m just shocked."

His partner in Kiss, Gene Simmons, said: "My prayers and condolences to the Peart family, fans and friends. Neil was a kind soul. R.I.P."

Broadcaster Eddie Trunk wrote: "One of my favourite days ever doing TV at VH1 Classic back in 2006. Spent the day doing an hour interview with Neil Peart. Hope someone finds it and reposts online. One of the nicest most grounded people I ever met."

King Diamond said: "It is unbelievably sad to hear that my favourite drummer of all time, Neil Peart, has left us. Very hard to find words to properly express the level of inspiration and influence he had on so so many musicians. He will forever remain at the top of my list. Farewell to a true king."

Anthrax guitarist Scott Ian said: "The greatest of all time. RIP Neil Peart. I’m going to go raise a glass and then air-drum the shit out of Tom Sawyer."

Metallica guitarist Kirk Hammett went with a brief: "RIP to a master", while musician and comedian Jack Black had similar sentiments, saying: "The master will be missed - Neil Peart RIP".

Bass player Billy Sheehan said: "My deepest and most sincere condolences to Neil’s family and friends, and to Rush fans everywhere. What a brilliant and wonderful man. He left his mark on the world, music, drumming and so much more. With absolute love and Respect, Rest In Peace."

Beach Boys legend Brian Wilson posted on Instagram: "I feel real bad about this – he was way too young. Neil was one of the great drummers and he’ll be missed. Love and mercy to Neil’s family."

E Street drummer Max Weinberg wrote: "So saddened by the passing of Neil Peart. Drumming legend as we all know but a truly kind man. Personally arranged for my son, Jay – then a teenager – to open at a venue in Boston for Rush. Huge for an aspiring drummer! Condolences to his family from our family."

Absolutely Horrible News. Neal Peart has died after fighting brain cancer for years. His later life was filled with so much family tragedy. So, so sad. I’m just shocked. pic.twitter.com/EM4Ea1quaYJanuary 10, 2020

Beyond saddened to hear the news about Neil Peart. His impact on rock history is indelible and his influence on drummers everywhere inescapable. Our thoughts are with Neil’s family, Alex, Geddy and the millions of people that his gift touched and inspired. This one hurts. pic.twitter.com/7UdkNyz6hnJanuary 11, 2020

I’m stunned.. Neil did SO much for the music community.. this hit SO many of us insanely hard.. my deepest condolences to all of Neil’s family, band mates & world wide fans that were inspired, moved & educated by… https://t.co/aHUG8kOFVkJanuary 11, 2020

Great sadness to hear...Thoughts are with his Family, Band & Friends...XX pic.twitter.com/7ShV9WsBVVJanuary 10, 2020

Judas Priest send out love and condolences for Neil Peart, his family, band mates, friends and fans around the world -Neil's legendary drum work and inimitable style will always resound in rock n rollJanuary 11, 2020

We are very saddened to hear of Neil Peart’s passing. All our love to the family ❤January 10, 2020